Hunter Syndrome Foundation

The Hunter Syndrome Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation with a mission to fund potential therapies that will ultimately find a cure for this disorder. The Foundation was established by parents of boys that suffer from this disorder. The Foundation is run by volunteers, thus administrative and operating costs are kept to a minimum. We also partner with other organizations to achieve this goal.

Hunter Syndrome (or Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) Type II) are genetic lysosomal storage diseases caused by the body's inability to produce specific enzymes. Normally, the body uses enzymes to break down and recycle materials in cells. In individuals with MPS, the missing or insufficient enzyme prevents the proper recycling process, resulting in the storage of materials in virtually every cell of the body. As a result, cells do not perform properly and may cause progressive damage throughout the body, including the heart, bones, joints, respiratory system and central nervous system. While the disease may not be apparent at birth, signs and symptoms develop with age as more cells become damaged by the accumulation of cell materials.